MACHINERY/
VÉLAKOSTUR

gallery 101, reykjavÍk, iceland

The scientific definition of a machine is any device that transmits or modifies particles. In common usage, the meaning is restricted to devices having rigid moving parts that perform or assist in performing some work.

People have used mechanisms to amplify their abilities since before written records were available. Generally these devices decrease the amount of force required to do a given amount of work, alter the direction of the force, or transform one form of motion or energy into another.

This exhibition focus is set on machines that generally are seen as modern comfort, airplanes, elevator, the television and motorbikes. But they are also for many frightening, connected to phobias, fears and manipulation on the human race.

“The elevator” takes the viewer on a ride with view over Reykjavik City. Trusting of our technology we go blindly on that ride that ends crashing down to earth.
Tags and stickers are made by active urban artists around the globe and from the local writing scene.  

“On TV/ In TV” is and old B&O television from the 50´s, stripped of its technology.  The viewer becomes a part of the sculpture by sticking its own head into the television box , that creates the image of a human with a TV head. In that position the viewer can watch himself on a modern television placed on the opposite wall.

“History of lighter and heavier than air craft” the history of aircraft is illustrated on a special 3-d paper.  To see the magic the viewer had to take one of the specially made glasses and look at the pictures through them. It creates the illusion that the drawing is floating/flying on the paper.

Performance on the opening night by Gunnar Örn Tynes

Sound by Magnús Skarphéðinsson
Music in elevator by Flis
Photos of people in television/on television taken by Erin Riley

Special thanks to Helgi and Íslandslyftur, B&O Iceland and Gústaf Jarl Viðarsson.